The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Fayose

  • Dasuki, Diezani, Shema, Fayose houses top list of seized assets

    Owners of the  mansions seized by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) have been unveiled. They are former governors, ex-ministers, top military officers and businessmen.

    Leading the pack is a former Minister of Petroleum Resources, Mrs. Diezani Alison-Madueke, who has forfeited some prized assets. Lost to the Federal Government by the ex-Minister are a multi-storey building in Banana Island Foreshore Estate in Ikoyi, Lagos; a real estate comprising six flats in Ikoyi and an estate of 21 mixed housing in Yaba, Lagos.

    Many properties allegedly linked with Diezani have also been placed under interim forfeiture by the anti-graft commission. Also, the EFCC has secured the final seizure of Flat 7B at Osborne Towers in Ikoyi, Lagos where $43.45 million cash was recovered. The embattled former National Security Adviser, Col. Sambo Dasuki, has two properties in Kaduna and Abuja temporarily forfeited to the government.

    Also, a former Managing Director of PPMC, Haruna Momoh, who is overseas, loses two mansions in posh Maitama District to temporary forfeiture order.

    Some ex-governors  and former ministers whose assets have been placed under interim forfeiture are Ibrahim Shema(20); Ayodele Fayose (three); Babangida Aliyu (two); Bello Mohammed (ex-PDP National chairman) – one;  Iyorchia Ayu (one); Isa Yuguda(one) and Abba Moro(one).

    Others are ex-Managing Director of Platinum Multi-purpose Cooperative Society Limited Mr. Michael Osasogie Obasuyi, who bought 134 buses, 20 houses with N11.4billion slush cash.

    The highlights of the forfeited assets were contained in a document, which The Nation stumbled on.

    According to the Acting Chairman of EFCC, Mr. Ibrahim Magu, about 407 mansions were seized by the agency from 2015 to 2018.

    He said: “Hundreds of properties such as filling stations, petroleum products, land, jewellery, automobiles, real estate, vessels, hospitals, company shares and heavy machinery and broadcast equipment, have been seized from corrupt elements between 2015 and 2018.

    “From 2015 to 2018, 407 mansions were seized, 126 have been forfeited finally and 281 are under interim forfeiture.

    “Nine filling stations were seized and placed under interim forfeiture. Lands seized sums up to 98, of which 56 are under interim forfeiture while 42 have been forfeited finally to the Federal Government.”

    The document indicated that the EFCC is empowered by the law to place all suspicious assets under Interim Assets Forfeiture – in line with Sections 28 and 34 of the EFCC (Establishment Act) 2004 and Section 13(1) of the Federal High Court Act, 2004.

    Section 28 of the EFCC Act reads: “Where a person is arrested for an offence under this Act, the Commission shall immediately trace and attach all the assets and properties of the person acquired as a result of such economic or financial crime and shall thereafter cause to be obtained an interim attachment order from the Court.”

    Section 13 of the Federal High Court Act reads in part: “The Court may grant an injunction or appoint a receiver by an interlocutory order in all cases in which it appears to the Court to be just or convenient so to do.

    “Any such order may be made either unconditionally or on such terms and conditions as the Court thinks just.”

    On the forfeited assets, Magu said they had been handed over to the Federal Government for use by Ministries, Departments and Agencies.

    He said: “The ones (the assets) that have been forfeited finally to the Federal Government were those allocated to federal agencies to save cost because these government agencies spend a lot of money to rent properties.

    “We tried as much as possible to avoid recourse to the auctioning of these assets.  If you auction, you sell at peanuts. And the EFCC tried to distant itself from the auctioning of the forfeited properties. We have left the initiative of what to do with recovered assets to the Federal Government.

    “As a matter of fact, I am not interested in any property. To me, to get the work done is the most important.”

  • Panel summons Fayose’s aide over Ekiti Radio/TV closure

    The Fact-finding Committee set up by the Ekiti State government to look into the running of the State Broadcasting Service (BSES) has commenced investigation on how the corporation was managed under the last administration.

     

    The Panel has summoned former Special Assistant on Public Communication and New Media, Lere Olayinka, who also headed BSES between October 2014 and July 2018 to shed light on how the station was run in the period under review.

     

    The corporation was shut down by the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) for alleged serial breach of broadcasting code.

     

    According to a letter signed by the Panel’s Secretary, Alhaji T.I. Ganiyu, Olayinka is expected to appear on Tuesday, 13th November at 11.00 am.

     

    The letter reads: “As parts of the efforts of the state government to reposition the BSES, the Governor of Ekiti State, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, inaugurated a Fact-finding Committee on Friday, 2nd November, 2018 to examine the adherence of the BSES to the enabling law and the NBC broadcasting code as well as other related issues.

     

    ” The Committee has since swung into action immediately after its inauguration. As the head of the broadcasting station in the previous administration, I have been directed to invite you for a briefing with the Committee on issues relating to the closure of the broadcasting station.

     

    “Kindly note that your briefing will in no small measure assist the Committee in its fact-finding assignment for the improvement of the station.”

     

    The venue of the sitting is the Conference Hall of the Bureau of Transformation, Service Delivery and Strategy, Ado Ekiti.

     

    The corporation was earlier fined N500,000 for breach of broadcasting code which was not paid before it was finally closed down on July 14 over alleged declaration of the result of the governorship election by former Governor Ayo Fayose when collation was still ongoing.

     

    The NBC had also written a letter to Olayinka demanding explanation on why he accepted to serve as the Director of Publicity of Kolapo Olusola Campaign Organisation (KOCO) when he was serving as Acting DG OF BSES.

     

    KOCO was the campaign platform of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate at the election, Prof. Kolapo Olusola.

     

  • PDP: Fayose, Secondus clash over Ekiti leadership tussle

    There were strong indications that the immediate past Governor of Ekit State, Ayodele Fayose, and the National Chairman of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Prince Uche Secondus, may have begun a subtle political battle ahead of 2019 general election in the state. Our correspondent gathered that the leadership tussle that broke out between factions of the party in Ekiti State may be the cause of the rift between the duo.

    While Fayose is currently engaged in a fierce political battle for the control of the PDP in Ekiti State, there are feelers that Secondus may have thrown his weight behind those who plotted the alleged removal of the former governor as the leader of the party in the Southwest state following the loss of the state to the All Progressives Congress (APC) during the gubernatorial election held last July.

    Party sources say the national leadership of the party’s decision to support those moving against Fayose is being rationalized as the provision of the PDP constitution which allegedly prescribed the most senior elective office holder in a state as the ‘leader’ of the party in any state. “This is where Secondus recognized Senator Biodun Olujimi as the leader of the party in Ekiti State,” a source explained.

    But ex-Governor Fayose is unfazed by such explanation. According to sources close to him, he is highly disappointed and embarrassed by what he reportedly described as the betrayal of trust meted out to him by Secondus. “Oga will ordinarily go to sleep and not worry himself over the circus show being led by Senator Olujimi. But when signs that the plotters may have the support of some people at the top started emerging, he saw a need to dig deep.

    “While it is still not confirmed where all these is coming from so soon after we left office, it is sad that the national chairman’s body language is encouraging the political rascality going on in Ekiti PDP today. Fayose is no push over in politics, especially in PDP where he has been governor twice. We will not allow anybody to dictate for us in Ekiti. The party members know their leader and they will not follow any regent,” our source, a close associate of Fayose’s said.

    Prominent chieftains of Ekiti PDP had last Saturday appointed the Senator representing Ekiti South, Mrs Biodun Olujimi, as the leader of the party in Ekiti State and the Southwest. The PDP stakeholders also passed a vote of no-confidence on the Chief Gboyega Oguntuase-led State Working Committee of the party in Ekiti, calling on Secondus to dissolve the executive and set up a caretaker committee to pilot the party’s affairs. They cited alleged financial recklessness as reason for their call for the disbandment of the State executive.

    The party leaders took the decision to install Olujimi as leader since she is the most top-ranking elected official in the state and the Southwest. A resolution, signed and read by the Protem Secretary of the PDP Stakeholders and former Assembly member, Bunmi Olugbade, also overruled the SWC on the suspension of former State Secretary of the party, Dr. Tope Aluko , saying he remains a bonafide member of the party. The leaders also resolved to back the candidacy of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar in 2019.

    Reacting, Senator Olujimi said ex-Governor Fayose was excluded from the meeting because he had just been released from detention by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over alleged financial fraud. “We knew what he might have passed through by staying in detention and we know it might not be easy for him to attend this meeting, so there is no faction at all in our party. My being appointed the Leader does not mean there is crisis,” she said.

    A party leader, Titi Oluwatuyi, while commending the national chairman of the PDP for ‘standing firm on the side of the truth’  claimed that Section 30 of the PDP’s constitution allowed leadership change in the PDP, saying the leadership change was in order. The PDP chieftain who leads a group, Integrity Women in Politics, said Secondus has restated his support for the adoption of Senator Olujimi as the party’s leader in the state.

    She applauded those who spearheaded the announcement of the change in leadership of the party, saying it would “serve as a morale booster for women’s participation in politics.” Oluwatuyi also commended the former Governor Fayose for allegedly “respecting and standing by the decision of the stakeholders”, saying this was “party supremacy in action.” She contended that Senator Olujimi’s adoption was “in consonance with the party’s constitution and the rule of law” and that the action didn’t breach any law of the land.

    “We commend former Governor Fayose for standing by the party’s decision and he did this because he realised that the decision was in line with the party’s guidelines and constitution contrary to some disgruntled and faceless elements who are bent on fanning the ember of discord within the party. We charge the new leader, Senator Olujimi to, as a matter of urgency constitute a reconciliation committee that will further foster unity among party members with a view to presenting a formidable party that can guarantee victory for us in 2019.”

    The Nation gathered that the Olujimi camp may have sought the understanding of Secondus and other party leaders before embarking on the move to change the status quo in Ekiti PDP. Reliable sources claimed that the move was initiated by a coalition of some prominent Abuja based Ekiti politicians and many more home based politicians, especially members of the Ekiti House of Assembly.

    “The event where Olujimi was announced as the replacement for Fayose as the party leader in Ekiti was the final outcome of series of meetings in Abuja and Ado-Ekiti. The decision was not just taken without consultations. That is why it has not been easy for Fayose to reverse the situation in spite of all the threats. Ekiti people and the leadership of the PDP in Abuja know the right thing to do in the current situation if the party is to survive this trying time,” a party official said.

    Speaking on the development, another aide of the ex-Governor flayed the silence of the national leadership of the party on the matter, saying those accusing Secondus of having a hand in the unfolding drama may not be totally wrong after all. “Why should anyone keep quiet while something like this is going on? This is not in the interest of the PDP in Ekiti, or even in the entire Southwest. Secondus better be told,” he said.

    While dissociating themselves from the Saturday meeting that installed Olujimi as state leader, PDP’s five House of Representatives members from Ekiti State expressed confidence in the leadership of the Oguntuase-led state leadership of the party. Representatives Kehinde Agboola (Ekiti North I), Thaddeus Aina (Ekiti North II), Ayo Oladimeji (Ekiti Central I), Segun Adekola (Ekiti South I) and Akin Awodumila (Ekiti South II), in a joint statement, reiterated their loyalty to Fayose.

    “There is no leadership vacuum in the PDP in Ekiti State those desperate for political leadership should wait for their time. While we agree that individuals or groups have rights to hold meetings, we are miffed that Senator Olujimi was taking her selfish agenda of collapsing the party structures to the extreme. We were not consulted before the meeting was held and most of those who attended the meeting were those who worked against our party in the July 14 governorship election,” they said.

    But a source at the national secretariat of the PDP told The Nation that it is wrong for anybody to read meaning to the silence of the national chairman. He explained that the matter came to the notice of the PDP leadership during the week and necessary steps are being taken to look into it. “We will not encourage discord anywhere. We will not support tyranny of any sort. We will always do what will promote the party, not an individual,” our source said.

  • Ekiti warns against indiscriminate dumping of refuse

    The Ekiti Government on Thursday warned the people of the state to desist from indiscriminate dumping of refuse to avoid sanctions.

    The General Manager, Ekiti State Waste Management Authority, Mr Femi
    Osasona, gave the warning while addressing newsmen in Ado Ekiti.

    Osasona complained about the way people littered the streets with refuse.

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    The general manager said that the state government was working conscientiously to clear the refuse and ensure that the people of the state lived in clean and hygienic environment.

    He said that henceforth, anyone caught dumping refuse indiscriminately would be arrested.

    Osasona urged the people of the state to support the administration by
    keeping their environment clean to prevent an outbreak of disease.

  • Alleged N1.2b, $5m theft: Fayose back home on bail

    Former Ekiti State Governor Ayo Fayose has met his bail conditions and has been released from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) custody, his spokesman Lere Olayinka said yesterday.

    Fayose turned himself in on October 16, a day after his tenure expired.

    He arrived EFCC’s Abuja headquarters wearing a T-shirt with the inscription: “EFCC, I’m here”.

    EFCC flew him to Lagos and arraigned him on October 22 on an 11-count charge of receiving and keeping N1.2 billion and $5 million stolen funds contrary to the Money Laundering Act.

    He was charged with his company, Spotless Limited.

    EFCC said Fayose and his associate Abiodun Agbele, who is facing a different charge, allegedly took possession of N1, 219,000,000 on June 17, 2014 to fund the former governor’s 2014 gubernatorial campaign.

    The commission said Fayose, on the same day, received cash payment of $5  million from then Minister of State for Defence, Senator Musiliu Obanikoro, without going through a financial institution, the sum having exceeded the amount authorised by law.

    Justice Mojisola Olatoregun granted him bail on October 24 for N50 million with one surety in like sum.

    The surety, she said, must present a bond of N50 million from a reputable insurance company or a first line bank acceptable to the court.

    The judge held that the surety should produce three-year tax clearance.

    Justice Olatoregun urged Fayose to ensure he attends court for trial unfailingly, otherwise, the bond would be forfeited.

    The former governor was directed to deposit his international passport in the court’s registry.

    Justice Olatoregun ordered that Fayose be remanded in EFCC’s custody until he met his bail terms.

    Olayinka tweeted yesterday that his boss had been released, after 13 days in EFCC’s custody.

    He wrote: “Fayose just regained his freedom. He left the Federal High Court, Ikoyi a few minutes ago. We will meet @officialEFCC at the court from November 19. Thank you Nigerians.”

    EFCC said Fayose benefitted from N4.65 billion slush funds allocated by the Office of National Security Adviser (ONSA) under Col. Sambo Dasuki (rtd) during the Goodluck Jonathan Administration.

    EFCC listed Obanikoro as one of 22 witnesses that will testify in the trial.

    Fayose was also accused of retaining stolen N300 million in his fixed deposit account, and allegedly deposited another stolen N317 million in an belonging to Spotless Investment Limited, a company controlled by him and members of his family.

    He was also accused of acquiring several property in Lagos and Abuja, including one bought in his elder sister’s name using part of the stolen funds.

    In the last count, EFCC said Fayose, on or about January 30, 2015, did procure Still Earth Limited to retain in its account, the sum of N132.5  million.

    The sum, said the prosecution, “formed part of the proceeds of your unlawful activity, to wit: gratification which you received from Samchase Nigeria Limited.”

    The alleged offence is contrary to Section 18 (c) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2011 (as amended) and punishable under Section 15 (3).

    Fayose pleaded not guilty to the 11-count charge.

    Justice Olatoregun adjourned till November 19 for trial.

  • Ekiti experienced four ‘wasted years’ under Fayose – Bishop

    The Bishop of Ekiti Diocese, the Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, the Rt. Rev. Christopher Tayo Omotunde, has described the tenure of former Governor Ayo Fayose as four wasted years.

    Omotunde noted that rather than moving forward, Ekiti retrogressed under Fayose and urgently needs repairs, resuscitation and rejuvenation to put it back on the right track.

    According to him, “the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) had a golden chance to make a difference in the lives of Ekiti residents, but abused the opportunity to the extent that the people became slaves under them.”

    The cleric warned the All Progressives Congress (APC) administration to learn from the mistakes of the immediate past government and never disappoint the teeming masses looking up to it for good governance and redemption.

    Omotunde made the remarks on Sunday during a thanksgiving service held in honour of the new Deputy Governor, Otunba Bisi Egbeyemi, at the Cathedral Church of Emmanuel, Okesa, Ado-Ekiti.

    The Bishop said Fayose’s unrelenting criticisms and opposition to President Muhammadu Buhari denied Ekiti of many benefits while other PDP governors succeeded in attracting projects to their states and got financial support from the Federal Government because of their good relationship with the President.

    The service was attended by the wife of the governor, Mrs. Bisi Fayemi; wife of the deputy governor, Mrs. Margaret Egbeyemi; Speaker, Ekiti State House of Assembly, Mr. Adeniran Alagbada; his wife, Mrs. Kike Alagbada; former deputy governor, Prof. Dupe Adelabu; Secretary to the State Government, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji; Chief of Staff, Mr. Biodun Omoleye; Ewi of Ado-Ekiti, Oba Adeyemo Adejugbe and other traditional rulers.

    The Bishop, who described himself as “a father of all politicians” because all members of his church are in all political parties, said he was duty bound to speak the truth when the need arises.

    Omotunde said God has given Governor Kayode Fayemi another chance to make the difference in the lives of Ekiti people and must not fail to do that because “the expectations are very high.”

    While likening Fayemi to the biblical Nehemiah, Omotunde said the President had so much trust in the governor (Fayemi) by releasing him from the federal cabinet to come and repair Ekiti allegedly damaged by bad governance.

    Omotunde said now that Fayemi’s party, APC, is in power at the federal level unlike what obtained during his first tenure, the Federal Government must grant all the requests of the governor to repair Ekiti and assist the state financially for its people to be relieved.

    The cleric said: “This our God is a God of another chance, he gave PDP another chance also but unfortunately they abused the chance to the extent that people became slaves under them, they rendered everybody hopeless under them.

    “They bewitched everybody that our eyes were closed, they bewitched us that we called evil good and the few that their power of bewitchment had no effect upon prayed and God looked down from heaven and visitedthis state again opening another door for Fayemi’s government.

    “Your party (APC) is in power now, let them know that I said, it’s a government of another chance and God will try you again and see whether you will be faithful or not. It is left for you to prove yourself.

    “Tell me of one youth that the immediate past government empowered even though they called it a government of okada riders; how many okadas did he buy for the youths?

    “I was watching the television recently and Ebonyi State governor was listing his achievements in agriculture, he gave the Federal Government credits for his success and my (former) governor was also a PDP governor.

    “In many states, Buhari had many achievements and successes to show but the only achievement here was the repair of Ado-Itawure Road but our (former) governor would not give him room to work.

    “The whole four years (under Fayose) was wasted; we were retrogressing, going backward. Many states were given opportunities in agriculture, nothing was given to Ekiti and all we needed was for the governor to give them land and banks were ready to finance the projects.

    “With hunger ravaging the land, the former governor was collecting N1,000 from each pupil. What did he use the money to do? We did not see what they did with the money.

    “Our people are hungry and they are suffering financial difficulties. They have been thrown into poverty so that they will become slaves to the ‘rock’ but God brought somebody who knows how to break the ‘rock’ into pieces.”

    Omotunde further charged Fayemi to prevent the state from being taken over by herdsmen and ensure security of lives and property.

    Retired Archbishop of Ondo Province, Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, the Most Rev. Samuel Adedayo Abe, conducted a special prayer session for the new government at the service which also witnessed a special thanksgiving for Egbeyemi.

    Addressing the congregation, Deputy Governor Egbeyemi called for the prayers and support of Ekiti people for the new government saying: “the welfare of the people remains the focal point of this administration.”

    The deputy governor promised that more people in Ekiti will be employed and empowered to reduce the rate of unemployment, hunger, political thuggery and other vices.

    Egbeyemi further assured that the Fayemi administration would execute more projects in the grassroots to reduce rural-urban migration.

    He assured that measures have been put in place to prevent herdsmen/farmers clash in the state.

  • Court grants Fayose N50m bail, trial to begin Nov. 19

    The Federal High Court in Lagos on Wednesday  granted former Ekiti State Governor Ayo Fayose N50m bail with one surety in like sum.

    Justice Mojisola Olatoregun ruled on his bail application following his arraignment on Monday for alleged money laundering.

    The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) arraigned Fayose for allegedly receiving and using N1.2billion and $5million stolen funds.

    His lawyer, former Attorney-General of the Federation Chief Kanu Agabi (SAN), urged the court to grant the former governor bail on self-cognisance as a former governor.

    According to him, there was a presumption of innocence of an accused until guilt is established.

    Besides, he said the former governor was very eager to see the conclusion of the case and so would not jump bail.

    Agabi told the court that Fayose willfully submitted himself to the EFCC immediately after leaving office as governor, which shows his readiness to face the charge.

    He said: “We have before your Lordship a bail application. It is supported by a 15-paragraph affidavit and a written address in support of our motion. We urge your Lordship to grant our application.

    “We agree that bail is totally at the discretion of court and urge your Lordship to grant it. The prosecution has filed a counter affidavit but the law allows for presumption of innocence.

    “Opposition by the prosecution cannot take away the discretionary power of your Lordship.

    “The defendant reported to the EFCC the day after he left office as a governor. I urge your Lordship to grant him bail on self-cognisance.

    “I assure your Lordship that he will not jump bail; he won’t run away.”

    But, prosecuting counsel Rotimi Jacobs (SAN), opposed the bail application.

    He informed the court about a counter affidavit in opposition to the bail motion, adding that although bail is a constitutional right, there were limitations.

    “The issue of presumption of innocence has to do with trial and for now, no one is saying he is guilty,” he said

    Jacobs opposed the application for bail on self-cognisance on the ground that being a former governor was not a yardstick for being granted bail on liberal terms.

    According to him, intelligence reports revealed that the defendant would interfere with witnesses and proceedings, and may jump bail if granted bail.

    He urged the court to refuse bail, adding that Fayose allegedly reported at EFCC with thugs.

    Jacobs said: “We filed a 22-paragraph counter-affidavit. We agree that bail is at the discretion of the court but the constitutional right to liberty is can be deprived.

    “Self-cognisance should not be for special people and office. If a poor man cannot be admitted to bail on self-cognisance, then it should not apply to anyone else.

    “Rather, we urge the court to order accelerated hearing.”

    Jacobs added that intelligence reports also revealed that some of the listed witnesses who served in Fayose’s administration had already expressed fear of intimidation.

    In a short ruling, Justice Olatoregun noted that the issues raised by the prosecution in its counter affidavit were grave, but that the accused would be given benefit of the doubt.

    She held: “The defendant is admitted to bail in the sum of N50 million with one surety in like sum.”

    The surety, she said, must present a bond of N50 million from a reputable insurance company or a first line bank acceptable to the court.

    The judge held that the surety should produce three-year tax clearance.

    Justice Olatoregun urged Fayose to ensure he attends court for trial unfailingly, otherwise, the bond would be forfeited.

    The former governor was directed deposit his international passport in the court’s registry.

    Justice Olatoregun ordered that Fayose be remanded in EFCC’s custody in the interim.

    EFCC arraigned Fayose on an 11-count charge of violating the Money Laundering Act.

    He was charged with his company, Spotless Limited.

    EFCC said Fayose and his associate Abiodun Agbele, who is facing a different charge, allegedly took possession of N1, 219, 000, 000 on June 17, 2014 to fund the former governor’s 2014 gubernatorial campaign.

    The commission said Fayose “reasonably ought to have known” that the money “formed part of the proceeds of an unlawful act, to wit: criminal breach of trust/stealing.”

    The alleged offence is contrary to Section 15 (2) (d) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2011 (as amended) and punishable under Section 15 (3) and (4).

    EFCC said Fayose, on the same day, received cash payment of $5million from then Minister of State for Defence Senator Musiliu Obanikoro, without going through a financial institution, the sum having exceeded the amount authorised by law.

    The alleged offence, EFCC said, contravenes Sections 1 and 16 (d) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act 2011.

    The commission said Fayose benefitted from N4.65billion slush funds allocated by the Office of National Security Adviser (ONSA) under Col. Sambo Dasuki (rtd) during the Goodluck Jonathan Administration.

    EFCC listed Obanikoro as one of 22 witnesses that will testify in the trial.

    Fayose was also accused of retaining stolen N300million in his fixed deposit account, and allegedly deposited another stolen N317million in an belonging to Spotless Investment Limited, a company controlled by him and members of his family.

    He was also accused of acquiring several property in Lagos and Abuja, including one bought in his elder sister’s name using part of the stolen funds.

    In the last count, EFCC said Fayose, on or about January 30, 2015, did procure Still Earth Limited to retain in its account, the sum of N132.5million.

    The sum, said the prosecution, “formed part of the proceeds of your unlawful activity, to wit: gratification which you received from Samchase Nigeria Limited.”

    The alleged offence is contrary to Section 18 (c) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2011 (as amended) and punishable under Section 15 (3).

    Fayose pleaded not guilty to the 11-count charge.

    Justice Olatoregun adjourned until November 19 for trial.

  • Fayose is being persecuted, says Fani-Kayode

    The former Minister of Aviation Chief Femi Fani-Kayode yesterday accused the Federal Government of persecuting former Governor Ayodele Fayose.

    Fani-Kayode was at the Federal High Court in Lagos in solidarity with Fayose during his arraignment by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for alleged money laundering.

    The former minister, who is also on trial for alleged money laundering in the same court, said Fayose was being oppressed.

    Speaking with reporters after the court session, Fani-Kayode said: “I believe in the virtues of courage, loyalty and faith in God.

    “I believe in loyalty to country, family, friends and political party. I am a patriot and I believe in loyalty to Nigeria.

    “I also believe in the unity of Nigeria. I believe in loyalty to friends, through thick and thin.

    “Fayose is my friend and that is why I am here. He stood with me during my travails and I am constrained to stand with him during his.

    “I am not a fair-weather friend: I am a real friend and I will always stand with the persecuted, the cheated, the marginalised, the voiceless and the oppressed.

    “Fayose is being persecuted like so many other leaders in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and that is why I am here: to stand firm and show solidarity with him.”

  • EFCC arraigns Fayose for alleged N1.2b, $5m theft

    The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) yesterday arraigned former Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose at the Federal High Court in Lagos for allegedly receiving and keeping N1.2billion and $5million stolen funds.

    He was arraigned before Justice Mojisola Olatoregun on an 11-count charge of violating the Money Laundering Act.

    He was charged with his company Spotless Limited.

    EFCC said Fayose and his associate Abiodun Agbele, who is facing a different charge, allegedly took possession of N1, 219, 000, 000 on June 17, 2014 to fund the former governor’s 2014 governorship campaign.

    The commission said Fayose “reasonably ought to have known” that the money “formed part of the proceeds of an unlawful act, to wit: criminal breach of trust/stealing.”

    The alleged offence is contrary to Section 15 (2) (d) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2011 (as amended) and punishable under Section 15 (3) and (4).

    EFCC said Fayose, on the same day, received cash payment of $5million from then Minister of State for Defence Senator Musiliu Obanikoro, without going through a financial institution, the sum having exceeded the amount authorised by law.

    The alleged offence, EFCC said, contravenes Sections 1 and 16 (d) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act 2011.

    The commission said Fayose benefited from N4.65billion slush funds allocated by the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) under Col. Sambo Dasuki (retd.) during the Goodluck Jonathan Administration.

    EFCC listed Obanikoro as one of 22 witnesses who will testify in the trial.

    Obanikoro, EFCC said, will testify on how he transmitted the money to Fayose “during and before the Ekiti governorship election in 2014 around June 2014”.

    The commission said Obanikoro had asked Fayose for an account to transfer the money.

    Fayose was said to have sourced for an account belonging to Slyvan Mcnamara Limited domiciled in a new generation bank and forwarded it to Dasuki.

    The EFCC said N200million was transferred to the account on June 5, 2014, followed by N2billion on June 16, 2014.

    According to the commission, Fayose said N1.2 billion of the money should be made available in cash while the balance should be converted into the dollar, instructions that EFCC said were carried out by Obanikoro.

    EFCC said about N1billion was converted to dollar and personally handed to Fayose. The balance of N1.2 billion was later withdrawn in cash and flown to Akure where Obanikoro handed it over to Agbele.

    Fayose was also accused of retaining stolen N300million in his fixed deposit bank account and allegedly deposited stolen N317million in a bank account belonging to Spotless Investment Limited, a company controlled by him and members of his family.

    In count five, Fayose allegedly took control of N305million between June 26 and August 27, 2014 in Lagos, keeping it in his bank account, when he ought to have known that the money “formed part of proceeds of an unlawful act, to wit: criminal breach of trust/stealing.”

    The prosecution said Fayose, between June 18 and 23, 2014, “did procure De-Privateer Limited and one Abiodun Agbele to retain in their an aggregate sum of N719, 490, 000.00 on your behalf, which sum formed parts of proceed of an unlawful act, to wit: criminal breach of trust/stealing.”

    Fayose and Spotless Ltd were accused of buying a property on Plot 1504, Yedsema Street, Maitama, Abuja from one Rabi Kundili, with stolen N270million.

    He was also alleged to have acquired chalets 3 and 4, 6 and 9 of the property at Plot 100, Tiamiyu Savage Street, Victoria Island, Lagos in the name of JJ Technical Service between November 12, 2014 and August 20, 2015, with an aggregate sum of N1, 151, 711, 573.

    The sum, EFCC said, was proceeds of criminal breach of trust/stealing, an offence contrary to Section 15 (2) (d) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2011 (as amended) and punishable under Section 15 (3).

    Fayoso also allegedly bought a property known as No. 44, Osun Crescent, Maitama, Abuja for N200million in the name of his elder sister, Moji Oladeji, between April 23 and 30, 2015, as well as a property known as Plot 1504 Yedseram Street, Maitama, Abuja, for N270million in the name of Spotless Investment.

    EFCC said he bought the properties using part of the stolen funds.

    In the last count, EFCC said Fayose, on or about January 30, 2015, did procure Still Earth Limited to retain in another bank account the sum of N132.5million.

    The sum, said the prosecution, “formed part of the proceeds of your unlawful activity, to wit: gratification which you received from Samchase Nigeria Limited.”

    The alleged offence is contrary to Section 18 (c) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2011 (as amended) and punishable under Section 15 (3).

    Fayose pleaded not guilty to the 11-count charge.

    A court official read the counts and asked Fayose: “Are you guilty or not guilty?”

    He responded to each of them: “I am not guilty”.

    The former governor arrived at the court premises at about 8.30 am, accompanied by EFCC officials and armed police officers.

    He was all smiles as he stepped out of the white Hiace bus that conveyed him to the court.

    Fayose sat in the bus for about 20 minutes before he was asked to disembark.

    Armed policemen followed and barricaded him as he was led to the court from the bus driven inside the court premises.

    As reporters scrambled to take his photographs, he smiled and told the security aides to allow the journalists do their job.

    “Just wait for me to sit down so you can take finer shots. Afterall, they have to sell,” Fayose said jovially.

    Fayose, smiling in the courtroom, was calm. He wore a pair of jeans and a checkered light blue and red shirt with a pair of black shoes and a pair of glasses.

    Among those who accompanied Fayose to court was former Minister of Aviation Femi Fani-Kayode, who said he was in court “to show solidarity”.

    Fani-Kayode, in green native attire, with a pink shawl and cap to match, said Fayose’s trial was a continuation of the Muhammadu Buhari administration’s persecution of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) members.

    Fayose’s lawyer, former Attorney-General of the Federation Chief Kanu Agabi (SAN), said he filed a bail application.

    EFCC’s lawyer Rotimi Oyedepo said he needed time to respond.

    Justice Olatoregun adjourned the bail hearing until tomorrow.

    She ordered that Fayose be remanded in EFCC custody.

  • Fayose is being persecuted, says Fani-Kayode

    A former Minister of Aviation Chief Femi Fani-Kayode on Monday accused the Federal Government of persecuting immediate past Governor of Ekiti State Ayodele Fayose.

    Fani-Kayode was at the Federal High Court in Lagos in solidarity with Fayose during his arraignment by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for alleged money laundering.

    The former minister, who is also on trial for money laundering in the same court, said Fayose was being oppressed.

    Speaking with reporters after the case, Fani-Kayode said: “I believe in the virtues of courage, loyalty and faith in God.

    “I believe in loyalty to country, family, friends and political party. I am a patriot and I believe in loyalty to Nigeria.

    “I also believe in the unity of Nigeria. I believe in loyalty to friends, through thick and thin.

    Read Also: Alleged N30.8bn fraud: Fayose pleads not guilty

    “Fayose is my friend and that is why I am here. He stood with me during my travails and I am constrained to stand with him during his.

    “I am not a fair-weather friend: I am a real friend and I will always stand with the persecuted, the cheated, the marginalised, the voiceless and the oppressed.

    “Fayose is being persecuted like so many other leaders in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and that is why I am here: to stand firm and show solidarity with him.“